Schwegler Common Dormouse Box 2KS

The 2KS Common Dormouse nest box has a smaller entrance hole than the 1KS version. With a body length of 6 - 9cm and a weight of 15 - 20g and a tail of almost equal length the Common Dormouse is the smallest variety found in Central Europe. Common Dormice seek refuge in relatively undisturbed broadleaf woodlands. If such habitats are not available
they become easy prey for their natural predators such as martens and owls. They will readily use the 1KS Dormouse box as secure quarters,
for overwintering too, depending on the region.

Based on past experience and ongoing development work Schwegler have extended their range of alternative accommodation for
dormice with the introduction of a special drey. The Type KS dormouse drey is an inexpensive way of helping to preserve
woodland dormouse species. One of the main advantages of the KS dormouse nest box is that the entrance is at the rear of the nest box, facing the tree trunk, making
it more difficult for birds to occupy it (it is important to ensure that the trunk is of the right diameter). With upper,
lower and side openings next to the trunk the actual access to this dormouse nest box is ideally positioned, but still well protected from potential
predators.

Siting the Dormouse box

Dry broadleaf and mixed coniferous and broadleaf woodlands, with widely spaced trees. Provided there is plenty of available
food, woodlands consisting predominantly of conifers may also be suitable for dormice. These animals tend to establish themselves
well in woodland (frequently on the edges of woods, or where wind breakage or replanting have occurred), and with dense
undergrowth and shrubs. This provides a good source of food for dormice. Meadows interspersed with fruit trees or large, wild gardens
also offer a habitat for the dormouse, provided there is woodland nearby. It is advisable to hang the dormouse nestboxes between holes
and cavities already occupied by birds to avoid unnecessary disturbance by birds seeking nesting sites. Ideally dormouse boxes
should be placed at a height of 1.5 - 3 m above the ground.

Common Dormouse nest box information

Includes Schwegler hanger, including aluminium nails which have been approved for forestry use. The back of the drey is rounded,
matching the shape of the trunk and ensuring a secure attachment.

Removable front panel to enable quick and easy checks to be carried out. It is not necessary to remove the drey from
the tree.

Dormice habitat

Dormice are mainly found in broadleaf and mixed woodland that is not at risk of flooding, as well as in wild gardens and
meadows interspersed with fruit trees. Dormice are now severely under threat (in some cases they are on the Red List
of endangered species). The far-reaching destruction of what were formerly widely distributed, natural and open woodlands
with their relatively high proportion of fallen trees has deprived these animals of an ideal habitat. Their disappearance
leads to a severe ecological imbalance.

Dormice are excellent climbers and tend to be active at dusk and during the night. They rest during the day, safe in their
nests, which are usually spherical in shape and made of moss, ferns, grasses, leaves and small twigs, and may be hidden
in holes in trees, such as those made by woodpeckers, in clefts in the rock or in thickets. However, such ideal sites
are often not available, and so they are competing increasingly with birds for nesting holes.

Due to this shortage of quarters experts advise hanging up special boxes, known as dreys, for these species. Depending on
the locality, dormice can hibernate for up to 7 months, surviving on fat reserves built up during the summer. They also
require a dry and safe place in which to conceal themselves.

Dormouse Box Specifications

External Dimensions: 295 H X 175 W X 225 D mm

Internal Dimensions: 125 x 125 mm

Entrance 26mm

Weight: 6.2kg

These nest boxes are especially made to exacting standards by Schwegler using their unique WoodcretePLUS™ material - an incredibly
tough, durable mix of sawdust, concrete and clay that is rot-proof, predator proof and impervious to the worst weather.
Their excellent insulating properties will keep any occupant warm and sheltered, and their smart, natural looks
will stay good for decades to come.

During 50 years of use, Schwegler bird boxes have proven to be exceptionally long lasting - usually well in excess
of 25 years.

Schwegler materials provide precisely the right thermal properties for both chick-rearing and winter roosting.

Fully waterproof, Schwegler bird box requires no maintenance.

Schwegler products resist nearly all forms of natural damage, including that made by woodpeckers and pine martens.

WoodcretePLUS™ nest boxes are the choice of conservationists throughout the world, universally recognised as the best, both
for their exceptionally high occupation rates and value for money.